Hey fellas, I just won a very nice looking 1966 Gillette Super Speed on EBay. I've been very curious to try a vintage razor and was fortunate enough to score one for $40 shipped. What should I expect out of this razor? I'm currently rotating between a EJDE89 and a Merkur HD. I really like the weight of the EJ and from reading a little it looks like the super speed is on the lighter end of the scale so I'm just curious what to expect from it. If all goes well I'm going to try and grab a Gillette Fatboy as I'm also curious to try an adjustable razor. Thanks for any comments or advice.
What to expect from a Super speed?
- Thread starter Macbreezy
- Start date
I got into the world of classic shaving two months ago and started with a flare tip Super Speed. In fact, I loved it so much I decided to go hunting for every variant ever manufactured by Gillette! Unfortunately, I have no point of reference other than multi-blade razors however I look forward to shaving every time. I have experienced zero issues other than a lighter wallet LOL I love everything about them from the build quality to the weight to the end result 
I think my SuperSpeed is more aggressive than my EJ DE89. It is, for sure, lighter than the DE89. With a Feather blade -- just be careful with it, _very_ careful.
I use the DE89 daily, and the SuperSpeed (and Tech, and Aristocrat) gather dust.
But you may feel differently . . . If we all agreed, this would be a dull website, and a dull world.
. Charles
I use the DE89 daily, and the SuperSpeed (and Tech, and Aristocrat) gather dust.
But you may feel differently . . . If we all agreed, this would be a dull website, and a dull world.
. Charles
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- Thread starter
- #4
I pretty much got rid of all my other blades and now only use feathers. Thanks for the advice. I may have to go back blade hunting to find one that works best in the super speed.
My first DE razor was a EJ DE89; first shaves with Derby blades. Followed this with a 40's style Super Speed and Tech purchased in the wild. Then I purchased a birth year / quarter (first quarter 1955) Flare Tip Super Speed on the bay. The Tech reminds me of a lighter EJ D89 (which I suppose it is) whereas the two Super Speeds are lighter than the DE 89 but are a bit more aggressive. The Flare Tip seems to weigh a bit more and be better balanced than the 40's style. The first shave with all was with a Derby blade in order to remove that variable from the comparison. So far I like the Flare Tip the best of the Gillette razors but have not made it my favorite. The balance of the two Super Speeds is very good; again I think the Flare Tip has a somewhat better balance than the earlier model. YMMV as they say. Enjoy them all.
SS are relatively mild shavers, as the name implies. Mine rarely make it out of the drawer of dead razors these days. Too mild for my beard. Good travel razors for vacation when I don't care about anything beyond a SAS. I'll sell or PIF them off one of these days.
Super Speeds aren't too bad! The right blade will help ya out. Try a Polsilver or a Gillette Super Platinum(black).
Got Gillette 7 O'clock permasharp yellows in my SS, no complaints.
I use my 1955 (birth year) Super Speed Red Tip occasionally, and always have a good shave with it.
When I first got into DE shaving I went thru the vintage Gillettes and found the SS's nice but I always looked for more. Don't we all? I finally got a Red-Tipped SS and thought that was the cat's meow. They're all pretty mild and very dependable for me. I hope you enjoy your razor
A nice smooth shave. You won't cut yourself unless you are maliciously careless.
Ben
Ben
I love the Superspeeds! My Slim and EJDE89 sit in the drawer.
edit: I should add my Red Tip is my favorite, followed by 40's. Their balance works for me better than my other razors.
edit: I should add my Red Tip is my favorite, followed by 40's. Their balance works for me better than my other razors.
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- Thread starter
- #14
Thanks!
I love my 55 and 63 Superspeeds. The 55 was supposed to be for my brother but he wanted a longer handle so I got him a Schick Krona. I tried the Krona and it was ok. I inherited a 73 Super Adjustable but no matter what setting I tried I still like my SS better. You might have to go a pass or 2 more with the SS because it's so mild but it's still a great razor.
I'd suggest not sweating over expectations and appreciating the experience for what it is. Some people love the Superspeeds and some don't care for them, like any DE. I tried the Superspeed and preferred the DE89 in the end. The latter just provides a more comfortable and effortless shave for me. That said, it's a YMMV thing so base your decision on your experience with the Superspeed.
They're well-made and will last forever. I generally BST anything that I don't prefer but I kept my Superspeed (and Fatboy) just out of appreciation for its build quality.
They're well-made and will last forever. I generally BST anything that I don't prefer but I kept my Superspeed (and Fatboy) just out of appreciation for its build quality.
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Aww, too bad you didn't see this PIF. You could have a chance to win your choice of a Red Tip Superspeed or a Black Handled Super Adjustable. (You can still enter though. 
)
From what I've heard, the Red Tip Superspeed is the most aggressive of the superspeeds. It's far more aggressive than my NEW, less so than the Super Adjustable though. Aggressive is not for me.
)From what I've heard, the Red Tip Superspeed is the most aggressive of the superspeeds. It's far more aggressive than my NEW, less so than the Super Adjustable though. Aggressive is not for me.
A super shave! A Gillette silver blue and it's a great shave. You'll like the fatboy too.
Between my HD and Mergress tools I don't use my Y3 SS very much; but it delivers an excellent shave and if in a hurry, as the name implies, it's capable of a good shave without fuss. Being a mild razor, using Personnas or Feathers can really help the cause. Good luck!
I'm currently using the same razors as you. My EH 89 gets the most use. I picked up a 1966 SS a few months ago and while I got an acceptable shave it didn't blow me away. I ended up giving it to my fiancé for her legs. For her it works well. I picked up a tech from the late 30s. Didn't do it for me. I have a mid 50s red tip that is good but again I just seem to prefer my modern razors. It is nice to shave with a bit of history now and then.
